This morning I had the opportunity to take part in the democratic process of this nation. Despite my resentment for the way these recent elections have been held, it was an absolute honor to enjoy the freedom of going into a voting booth this morning. As if that’s not enough, our happy consumerist culture gave me the opportunity to enjoy a free cup of coffee, simply for having an “I voted” sticker on my shirt.
The optimism embodied in this short ad is something sorely lacking today. Despite there being a significant push this year, as years past, to “get out the vote” there has been a certain cynicism about the whole thing. I’ve fallen prey to it as well, but I find hope in this:
Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation. Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men– as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
1 Peter 2: 11-17
In being good citizens, both by actively voting, then later by holding our politicians accountable to their duties in office and promises to the people… we may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men. So regardless of who wins this race, it is my hope that we as citizens and Christians submit to our new President as is our duty… and that we hold him accountable to that which he has sworn to do.
In doing so, let us also hold the factions of the Democratic and Republican parties accountable, and not let fear mongering deter us from voting our conscience in 2010, and 2012.